SearchCaring for a 13 year old Dobie
Hi,
Max is a large breed Dobie. He turned 13 years old in July. We know he has lived longer than the average life expectancy for Dobermans. We aren't ready to put him down. He is mentally the same as he always was. The major concern we have is he has lost the ability to control his bowels. We have stopped giving him moist food and just water and dry food. My question is there anything we can do?
Thank you,
Max's Mom
I don't know if it's doable with a big guy, but I had a foster chihuahua named PeeWee who couldn't control pee or poop. I put dipaers on him and he hated them at first but after a week or two resigned himself to it. It was a pain in the butt sometimes but seeing as he wasn't in any pain and he was mentally sharp I didn't think it was a selfish thing to do.
There is a medication i thought but maybe it is just for leaks.. I remember a girl dobie was on it.. I know they have it for people.. but i know for the little ones we used like a wide piece of cloth went around him like a belt and a ladies kotex or something maybe better can be put inside where he pees..
hugs
Bet
I know it might sound weird but since dobies are about the size of miniature horses it is possible to get those "bags" that horses wear to catch the waste, you know the carriage horse wear them so they don't litter the road with poop, and belt that to him - just empty is regularly, check it often. Check the miniature horse sites for small sized waste bags, might work.....
maxfield, I don't have any suggestions, just so happy to hear that you've had such a long and wonderful time with your mighty Max! Treasure every day with him ( as I'm sure you have) and thanks for posting. For those of us with 'mature' Dobes, ( especially rescues as we have no health history) it's a reminder that we can all have our kids with us for a long long time.
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First off, my first dobbie boy was also Max and he lived to a great age of 14! Your guy has done well too and I wish I could give you some advice on your problem. It's a hard one and although quality of life decision. I know there are many more qualified folks on this forum who might be able to give you more advice. Thinking of your big guy ...